F1’s rule tweaks got a first examination in Miami – here’s how it went down
After an enforced five-week break there was a lot riding on Formula 1’s return in Miami this weekend. The US race saw the series premiere a handful of modifications designed to improve the safety and spectacle of the new-for-2026 regulations, which have received a mix reception since their debut. For the 2026 season, F1 rolled […]
Why Norris expects F1 drivers to still “get penalised” for trying to go quicker after rule tweaks
During the race weekend in Miami, drivers have been able to get their first taste of the changes to the technical regulations. The tweaks to energy management are intended to address the, at times, dangerous closing speeds and make qualifying more on the limit, but the FIA and Formula 1 immediately made it clear that […]
Norris explains why losing “1-2%” in qualifying left drivers so frustrated at new F1 cars
This writer’s first working grand prix was Austria 2002, a race that for most sticks in the mind for reasons pertaining to Ferrari team orders. A far happier memory is of borrowing a tabard for qualifying and venturing into the trees behind the pits, on the inside of the Jochen Rindt Kurve, where one could […]
Why McLaren will deliver «an entirely new» F1 car in Miami – but expects all rivals to do the same
Judging and executing in-season development has become one of McLaren’s strongest suits in recent Formula 1 seasons, most significantly in 2023 and ’24, when it introduced upgrade packages early in the campaign which proved transformative. So when team principal Andrea Stella used the forum of a special event for select media at McLaren’s Woking factory […]
How the Japanese GP Hamilton-Norris battle highlighted a flaw in 2026 F1 rules
The Japanese Grand Prix highlighted how the 2026 Formula 1 regulations can create exciting races, but with critical issues which need addressing — starting at next week’s meeting between F1, the FIA, and the teams. Precisely because of this dynamic of overtakes and counter-overtakes, Suzuka offered a chance to observe how certain behaviours of the […]
“At the mercy of the power unit” – the moment that frustrated Norris and Verstappen
At Suzuka, the yo-yo effect was slightly less extreme than during the season opener in Melbourne, although the overall picture still did not satisfy all of the drivers. Lando Norris ultimately crossed the line in fifth place and saw that – together with Oscar Piastri’s strong showing – as a sign that McLaren is making […]
Why Mercedes is playing down rift with F1 engine customers
In the aftermath of George Russell securing pole position for the sprint race in China by 0.289s from Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli, and a substantial 0.621s from third-placed Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has moved to quell talk of a schism with its customer teams. After qualifying for last weekend’s Australian Grand […]
F1 drivers have «nothing to complain about» with 2026 car
Reigning world champion Lando Norris feels Formula 1 drivers have little to complain about following Max Verstappen’s explosive criticism on the new generation of cars. Speaking his mind on the new regulations, which feature a much bigger reliance on electric energy that forces drivers and teams to focus heavily on energy management, Verstappen said the […]
Norris leads from Verstappen on opening day
McLaren’s Lando Norris opened the book on the first day of official Formula 1 pre-season testing by going 0.129s faster than Max Verstappen, although the Red Bull driver completed more laps than McLaren managed all day. Oscar Piastri set a best time of 1m35.602s over 54 laps in the morning, before Norris took over the […]